Hearts Push Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper 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 stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Full report will be available.
