The Jambos Move 8 Points Clear Clear at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.