The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
