The Jambos Extend 8 Points Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
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