The Jambos Push 8 Points Ahead at the Summit Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger netted the second goal, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
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