The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; 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 the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
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