The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Clear Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
