The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Clear at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
