The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Ahead at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. 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 evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
