The Jambos Move 8 Points Clear in Front at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, as it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros 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 had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
