Hearts Move Eight Points Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
