Hearts Push 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off Celtic

We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.

Decisive Period in the After the Break

A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.

Hoops' Reaction

Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.

Solid Backline

The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.

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