The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Ahead Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable 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 thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
