The Jambos Extend Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
