Hearts Push 8 Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
