The Jambos Push Eight Points Clear Clear at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray bringing down Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
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