Hearts Push 8 Points Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of disrupting 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.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger netted the second goal, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
