The Jambos Push Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. 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 Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Full report will be available.
