The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Full report will be available.
