The Jambos Extend Eight Points in Front at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
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