The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Ahead Clear at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
