The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
