The Jambos Move Eight Points Ahead in Front at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a foul that Shankland converted. Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
