Hearts Move 8 Points in Front at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
