The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Clear at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
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