The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Clear in Front at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
