The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Ahead Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
