The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Clear Clear at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a penalty that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
