Hearts Extend Eight Points Clear in Front at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts 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 made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
