The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points in Front at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled 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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