Hearts Extend 8 Points Ahead Ahead at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
