Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
