The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Ahead in Front at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts 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 contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a foul 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) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
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