The Jambos Extend 8 Points Ahead at the Summit After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that the captain tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
