The Jambos Move Eight Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.