Hearts Move Eight Points Clear Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a foul that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
