The Jambos Extend Eight Points Clear in Front at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a penalty that the captain converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
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