Hearts Move 8 Points Clear in Front at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.
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