The Jambos Push 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being 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 title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase were key, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
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. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Full report will be available.
