The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Ahead in Front at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
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