The Jambos Push 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
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