Hearts Push 8 Points Clear Clear at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a penalty that Shankland converted. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
