Hearts Extend Eight Points Clear Clear at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
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 haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
