Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead in Front at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Full report coming soon.