The Jambos Push 8 Points Clear at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.
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