Hearts Extend 8 Points Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
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