Hearts Move 8 Points Clear Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
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