The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
