The Jambos Move Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
