Hearts Move Eight Points Clear in Front at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.