The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Ahead Clear at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Full report coming soon.
