The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Clear in Front at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
