Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
