The Jambos Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
