Hearts Extend Eight Points Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
