Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger netted the second goal, 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, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.