The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
