The Jambos Extend 8 Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
