Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for level terms.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
