The Jambos Extend Eight Points Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled 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 motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
