The Jambos Move Eight Points Clear Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
