The Jambos Move 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Summit After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
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