The Jambos Push 8 Points Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
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