The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Clear Ahead at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a foul that the captain converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
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