The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points in Front at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
