The Jambos Extend 8 Points Ahead Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Full report coming soon.
