Hearts Push Eight Points Clear Ahead at Top Following 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 Hearts possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Full report will be available.
