Hearts Move 8 Points Clear Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied 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 the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
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