The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Clear at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
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