The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report coming soon.
