Hearts Move 8 Points Ahead Ahead at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic

We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.

Decisive Period in the After the Break

Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.

Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.

Hoops' Reaction

The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.

Solid Backline

The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.

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