The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
