Hearts Move Eight Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats 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 Hearts have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
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