Hearts Move 8 Points in Front at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
