The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle Following 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. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out 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 favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
