The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
