The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.