The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Ahead Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect 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 stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
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