The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a foul that the captain converted. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Full report to follow.
