Hearts Move 8 Points Clear Ahead at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
