The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points in Front at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
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