The Jambos Move 8 Points Clear at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, 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 Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Full report will be available.
