Hearts Push 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
