Hearts Move 8 Points Ahead in Front at the Summit Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
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