The Jambos Extend 8 Points Ahead in Front at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
