Hearts Move Eight Points Clear Clear at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
