The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Clear in Front at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Full report coming soon.
