The Jambos Move 8 Points Clear Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
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 stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a foul that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.