The Jambos Extend Eight Points in Front at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
