Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that the captain converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
