Hearts Move Eight Points Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
