The Jambos Move 8 Points Ahead Ahead at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off 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 Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, 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 home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
