The Jambos Push Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
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