The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger netted the second goal, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a foul that the captain slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
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