The Jambos Move 8 Points Clear at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
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