The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the noise.
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