The Jambos Move Eight Points Clear at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell were key, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that the captain converted. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
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