The Jambos Move Eight Points in Front at Top After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
