The Jambos Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
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 haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
