Hearts Move Eight Points Ahead Clear at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down ClĂĄudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off MagnĂşsson. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. âWe stand firmâ has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.