Hearts Extend 8 Points Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray bringing down Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
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