Hearts Move 8 Points Ahead Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
