Hearts Extend 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a foul that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
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