Hearts Push 8 Points Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Full report coming soon.
