The Jambos Move 8 Points Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Full report coming soon.
