The Jambos Extend Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
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