The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Clear Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a spot-kick that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.