Hearts Push 8 Points Clear at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a penalty that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report coming soon.
