The Jambos Push Eight Points Ahead Clear at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a foul that the captain converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net 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 level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
