Hearts Move 8 Points in Front at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
