The Jambos Push Eight Points Clear Clear at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
