Hearts Move 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
