The Jambos Move Eight Points Ahead Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
