The Jambos Extend Eight Points Ahead Clear at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
