The Jambos Move Eight Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a foul that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
