The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to deal with a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
