The Jambos Push Eight Points in Front at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. 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. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Complete analysis will be available.
