Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that the captain slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
