Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
