The Jambos Push Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger netted the second goal, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a foul that the captain slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
