The Jambos Move Eight Points Ahead in Front at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. 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. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report will be available.
