Hearts Move 8 Points Clear in Front at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
