Hearts Extend Eight Points in Front at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
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