The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Ahead in Front at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
