The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Clear Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine strong chance of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
