The Jambos Move Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
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