The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear at the Summit After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
