Hearts Push Eight Points Clear at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a foul that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Full report coming soon.
