Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a penalty that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
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