Hearts Move 8 Points Clear Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros 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 panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
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