The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
