The Jambos Move 8 Points Clear at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
