The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Summit After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger netted the second goal, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
