The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Ahead Ahead at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain converted. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
