Hearts Move 8 Points Ahead Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
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