Hearts Move Eight Points in Front at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
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