The Jambos Extend Eight Points Clear Clear at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
