The Jambos Move Eight Points Ahead Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
