Hearts Move 8 Points Clear at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
