The Jambos Push Eight Points Ahead Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
