The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points in Front at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.