The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.