Hearts Push 8 Points in Front at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
