The Jambos Push Eight Points Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
