Hearts Push 8 Points Ahead in Front at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell were key, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
