The Jambos Extend 8 Points Clear Clear at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
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 touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else 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 buzz.
- Full report to follow.
