The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
