The Jambos Move Eight Points Clear at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Full report to follow.
