Hearts Extend 8 Points Ahead Ahead at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
