Hearts Push Eight Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
