The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Ahead Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Full report coming soon.
