The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Full report will be available.
