The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points in Front at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
