The Jambos Push 8 Points in Front at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
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 remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
