Hearts Extend Eight Points in Front at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
