Hearts Extend 8 Points Ahead at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
