The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
