The Jambos Extend 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Full report coming soon.
