The Jambos Move Eight Points in Front at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes Celtic
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a foul that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
