The Jambos Move 8 Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Full report to follow.
