The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Full report will be available.
