The Jambos Extend 8 Points in Front at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges 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 Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that the captain converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
