The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Ahead in Front at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
