The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Ahead Clear at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
