The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
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 ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
