The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points in Front at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
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