Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. The Celtic manager 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 bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report will be available.
