The Jambos Extend Eight Points in Front at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
