The Jambos Push 8 Points in Front at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
