The Jambos Extend Eight Points Ahead at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player 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 the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Full report coming soon.
