Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion 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 Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.
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