Hearts Extend 8 Points Ahead at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
