Hearts Extend Eight Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
