Hearts Move Eight Points Clear Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report will be available.
