Hearts Push 8 Points Ahead Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
