The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger netted the second goal, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin 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's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
