The Jambos Move 8 Points Clear at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Murray bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
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