Hearts Move Eight Points Ahead in Front at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at their home ground, as it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
