The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
