Hearts Push Eight Points Clear Clear at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats Celtic

A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.

Decisive Period in the Second Half

Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.

Solid Backline

The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.

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