The Jambos Extend 8 Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that the captain 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.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Full report coming soon.
