Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at Top After Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
