The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Ahead at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Hoops
We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Full report will be available.
