Hearts Move Eight Points Clear Clear at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
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