Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead Clear at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report coming soon.
