The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of ending Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga 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) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.
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