Hearts Extend Eight Points in Front at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing 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
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
