Hearts Push 8 Points Ahead Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Full report coming soon.
