Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
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