Hearts Push Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Full report will be available.
