Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead in Front at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.
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