The Jambos Extend 8 Points Ahead in Front at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
