The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Clear in Front at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead 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 made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
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