The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points in Front at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
