The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Ahead in Front at the Summit After Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Full report coming soon.
