The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
