The Jambos Extend Eight Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
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