Hearts Push 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
