The Jambos Push Eight Points Clear at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin 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 Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
