Hearts Push 8 Points Ahead at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.
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