The Jambos Push Eight Points Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a foul that the captain slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
