The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear Clear at the Summit After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger netted the second goal, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland converted. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
