The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points in Front at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled 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 static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
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