Hearts Move 8 Points Clear Clear at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
