Hearts Move 8 Points Clear at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase were key, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
