Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report coming soon.
