The Jambos Push 8 Points Ahead at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.
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