The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Clear at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
