The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Clear Clear at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
