The Jambos Extend Eight Points in Front at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
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