The Jambos Push Eight Points Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray bringing down Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Full report coming soon.
