The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Ahead in Front at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
