The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Ahead at the Summit Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off Celtic

History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.

Decisive Period in the Latter Period

A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.

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

The Visitors' Fightback

The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.

Solid Backline

The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.

  • Full report coming soon.
Matthew Thomas
Matthew Thomas

Legal tech innovator and former attorney passionate about AI applications in law to streamline workflows and enhance access to justice.