Hearts Move Eight Points Clear at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
