Hearts Move Eight Points Ahead Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
