The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
