The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Clear at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
