Hearts Push 8 Points Clear in Front at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland converted. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
