The Jambos Move 8 Points Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
