Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that the captain converted. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
