Hearts Push 8 Points Clear in Front at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
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