Hearts Push 8 Points Clear Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
