The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
