Hearts Push Eight Points Clear at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
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