The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Ahead at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Full report coming soon.