The Jambos Extend Eight Points Ahead Ahead at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period 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. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for level terms.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
