The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted 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 noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
