The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a spot-kick that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Full report will be available.
