The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points in Front at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal 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 Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
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