The Jambos Extend Eight Points Clear at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
