The Jambos Extend Eight Points Ahead at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
