Hearts Move Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur 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 breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a spot-kick that the captain converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
