The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
