The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Clear in Front at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for level terms.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
