The Jambos Move 8 Points Ahead Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, as it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
