Hearts Move Eight Points Ahead in Front at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report will be available.
