The Jambos Push Eight Points Ahead at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that the captain tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis will be available.