Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report will be available.