The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Ahead in Front at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis will be available.
