Hearts Move 8 Points Ahead in Front at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
