The Jambos Push 8 Points Clear Ahead at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
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