Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead Ahead at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a foul that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
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 remove a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
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