Hearts Push 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
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