Hearts Push Eight Points in Front at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Full report will be available.
