The Jambos Extend 8 Points Clear at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. 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 noise.
- Full report to follow.
