Hearts Push 8 Points Clear Clear at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
