The Jambos Push Eight Points in Front at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a spot-kick that the captain tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.