The Jambos Extend 8 Points Clear Clear at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. 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
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
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