Hearts Move 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to deal with a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
