The Jambos Push 8 Points Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after 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 struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
