The Jambos Push Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Full report to follow.
