The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager 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.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
