Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for level terms.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
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