Hearts Push 8 Points in Front at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.
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