The Jambos Extend Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that the captain converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
