Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted 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 the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
