The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear at the Summit After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Full report coming soon.
