The Jambos Push 8 Points Clear in Front at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
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