Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead Ahead at the Summit After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Heartsâ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Heartsâ rapid start. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched TĂłmas MagnĂșsson. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. âWe remain resoluteâ has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
