Hearts Move Eight Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.