The Jambos Extend Eight Points Ahead at the Summit After Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
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