Hearts Move 8 Points Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
