The Jambos Extend Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
