The Jambos Move Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
