Hearts Move Eight Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
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