Hearts Push 8 Points in Front at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
