The Jambos Move 8 Points Clear in Front at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
