The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.