The Jambos Move 8 Points Ahead Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back 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 ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Full report coming soon.
