The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Clear in Front at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
