Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Full report coming soon.
