Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
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