Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain converted. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for level terms.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
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