Hearts Push Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to deal with a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added 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.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
