The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Ahead at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
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 clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
