The Jambos Extend Eight Points Ahead at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, 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 home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
