The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points in Front at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of ending Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
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