Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead Ahead 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 landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
