The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Ahead Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Full report will be available.
