The Jambos Push 8 Points Ahead in Front at the Summit Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a foul that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
