The Jambos Extend 8 Points Clear at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger netted the second goal, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
