The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for level terms.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
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