Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
