Hearts Move Eight Points in Front at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic

We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.

Decisive Period in the After the Break

A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, 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, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for level terms.

Solid Backline

The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.

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