The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear in Front at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a penalty that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
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