The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Ahead Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that the captain tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Full report coming soon.
