The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin 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. One cannot overlook the excitement.
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