Hearts Extend 8 Points in Front at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, 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. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
