The Jambos Push Eight Points in Front at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland converted. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.