The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Clear in Front at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
