Hearts Push 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
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