Hearts Push Eight Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, 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 evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that the captain tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
