Hearts Move Eight Points Ahead Ahead at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, scoring 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 stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
