Hearts Push 8 Points Ahead Ahead at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager 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 had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
