The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points in Front at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of ending Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
