The Jambos Move 8 Points Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
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