The Jambos Extend Eight Points Ahead Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; 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 an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
