The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear Clear at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
