The Jambos Move 8 Points in Front at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Full report will be available.
