The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points in Front at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. 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, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report coming soon.
