Hearts Push Eight Points Clear in Front at Top After Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied 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. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
