The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points in Front at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
