The Jambos Extend Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray bringing down Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
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