Hearts Push 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.