Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops

We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.

Decisive Period in the Latter Period

Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges 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 hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.

Solid Backline

The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off MagnĂșsson. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.

  • Detailed coverage coming soon.
Jesse Wagner
Jesse Wagner

Eleanor Whitmore is a lifestyle journalist and luxury brand consultant based in London.