Hearts Push 8 Points Clear at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. 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. Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a foul that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Full report to follow.
