Hearts Extend Eight Points Clear in Front at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of ending Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.
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