The Jambos Push Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
