Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead Ahead at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
