The Jambos Move Eight Points Clear Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger netted the second goal, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report will be available.
