The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that the captain converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
