Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear in Front at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
