Hearts Move 8 Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts have a genuine strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. 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. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
