Hearts Extend Eight Points Clear in Front at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
