The Jambos Push 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a foul that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
