The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Ahead at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as 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. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
