The Jambos Push 8 Points Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.
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