Hearts Push Eight Points Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
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