The Jambos Move Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
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