Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
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 Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
