Hearts Move 8 Points Clear Clear at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a foul that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
