Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead Ahead at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell were key, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
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