The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a penalty that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
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