The Jambos Extend Eight Points Clear in Front at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
