The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear Clear at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager 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.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
