The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points in Front at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Full report to follow.
