Hearts Move Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Full report to follow.
