The Jambos Move Eight Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain converted. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig 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 is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Full report will be available.
