Hearts Move 8 Points Clear in Front at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted 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 struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
