The Jambos Move Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long 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 Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
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 an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
