The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Clear in Front at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
