The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a foul that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
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