The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at Top After Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger netted the second goal, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a foul that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
