Hearts Move Eight Points Ahead at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
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