The Jambos Push Eight Points Clear in Front at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a spot-kick that the captain converted. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
