Hearts Extend Eight Points Clear in Front at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Full report will be available.
