Hearts Push 8 Points Ahead Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
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