The Jambos Move 8 Points Ahead Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal 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 pass for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
