Hearts Move Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.
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