The Jambos Extend Eight Points Clear Clear at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from Heartsâ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off MagnĂșsson. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. âWe remain resoluteâ has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
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