Hearts Push 8 Points Clear Clear at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats 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 have a genuine strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
