The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Ahead Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. 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 After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a spot-kick that the captain tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched MagnĆŗsson. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. āWe shall not be movedā has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
