The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
