The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Ahead Clear at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Full report coming soon.
