The Jambos Extend 8 Points Clear at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
