The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Ahead Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, after an opening period 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, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
