The Jambos Extend Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
