Hearts Move 8 Points Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Full report will be available.
