The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Ahead in Front at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
