The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Clear Ahead at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger netted the second goal, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
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