The Jambos Extend Eight Points Clear Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
