The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear Clear at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a foul that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from Heartsā rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off MagnĆŗsson. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. āWe remain resoluteā has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
