The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Clear Clear at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
