The Jambos Push 8 Points Clear at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
