Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.