Hearts Extend 8 Points Ahead Ahead at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
