The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a penalty that the captain tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
