The Jambos Push 8 Points Ahead in Front at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a foul that Shankland converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
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 deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report will be available.