Hearts Extend 8 Points in Front at Top After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a foul that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.
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