The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Ahead Ahead at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
