Hearts Push Eight Points Clear in Front at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
