The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Clear Clear at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
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