The Jambos Move Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
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