The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Clear in Front at Top Following 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 have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
