The Jambos Move 8 Points Ahead Ahead at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.
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