The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Ahead Ahead at the Summit Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report coming soon.
