The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Clear Clear at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting 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
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
