The Jambos Move Eight Points Ahead Ahead at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.