Hearts Extend Eight Points Clear Clear at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period 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 Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.