The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Ahead Ahead at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
