The Jambos Push 8 Points Clear at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats 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 have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling ClĂĄudio Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off MagnĂșsson. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. âWe shall not be movedâ has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
