Hearts Push Eight Points Clear Ahead at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
