Hearts Push Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a foul that the captain converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
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