Hearts Move Eight Points Clear at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger netted the second goal, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report will be available.
