The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a foul that Shankland tucked away. Brendan 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 the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
