Hearts Extend 8 Points in Front at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a foul that the captain converted. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
