Hearts Extend 8 Points Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Full report coming soon.
