Hearts Push Eight Points Clear Clear at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.