Hearts Move 8 Points Ahead Ahead at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
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 untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a penalty that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Complete analysis coming soon.