The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick 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 credible shot of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
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