Hearts Push Eight Points in Front at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.
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