Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops

A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.

Turning Point in the After the Break

A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.

The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for level terms.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.

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