Hearts Move Eight Points Ahead Ahead at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Full report will be available.
