The Jambos Move Eight Points Ahead in Front at the Summit Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for level terms.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
