Hearts Push Eight Points in Front at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
