The Jambos Extend Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report will be available.
