The Jambos Push Eight Points in Front at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
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