Hearts Push Eight Points Clear Clear at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a penalty that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
