Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
