The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts 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, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a foul that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
