Hearts Move 8 Points in Front at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain converted. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
