The Jambos Move Eight Points Clear at the Summit After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.