Hearts Move 8 Points in Front at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
