Hearts Move 8 Points in Front at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
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