The Jambos Move Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.