The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.
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