The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Ahead at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that the captain tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Complete analysis coming soon.