Hearts Push Eight Points Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a foul that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
