The Jambos Extend 8 Points Clear in Front at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
