The Jambos Push 8 Points Ahead Ahead at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.