The Jambos Push 8 Points Clear Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report coming soon.
