Hearts Move 8 Points in Front at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing 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, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
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