The Jambos Push 8 Points in Front at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
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