Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead in Front at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
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