The Jambos Push Eight Points Clear at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
