Hearts Extend 8 Points Ahead Clear at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger netted the second goal, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a foul that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
