The Jambos Push Eight Points Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of ending Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report coming soon.
