Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear Clear at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.
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