The Jambos Push 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell were key, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
