The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
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