The Jambos Move Eight Points Ahead Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
