The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
