The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a foul that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report coming soon.
