The Jambos Move 8 Points Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a penalty that the captain tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
