Hearts Extend Eight Points in Front at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
