Hearts Move 8 Points Clear at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Full report coming soon.
