Hearts Push Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
