The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Ahead at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges 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 home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
