The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points in Front at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a foul that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
