Hearts Extend 8 Points in Front at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
