Hearts Move 8 Points Ahead Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain tucked away. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
