Hearts Extend 8 Points in Front at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
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