Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
