The Jambos Extend Eight Points Ahead Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
