The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a foul that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
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