The Jambos Move Eight Points Clear at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
