The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Clear Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
