The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
