Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger netted the second goal, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
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