The Jambos Move 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
