The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Ahead in Front at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team 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 proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a spot-kick that the captain converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
