Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Full report to follow.
