Hearts Move Eight Points Clear Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, 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 fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
