Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; 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
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
