The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
