Hearts Push Eight Points Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
