Hearts Move Eight Points in Front at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
