The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Ahead in Front at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a 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 excitement.
- Full report coming soon.
