The Jambos Push Eight Points Clear Clear at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
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