Hearts Move Eight Points Ahead Clear at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
