Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear in Front at the Summit After Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, 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 bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
