The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
