Hearts Move 8 Points Ahead at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
