Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
