The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Clear in Front at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report will be available.
