The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
