The Jambos Extend Eight Points Clear Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
