The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Ahead Clear at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback 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 flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Full report to follow.
