Hearts Move Eight Points Clear Clear at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste 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 the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
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