Hearts Move Eight Points Ahead Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
