The Jambos Move Eight Points Clear Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of ending Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
