Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
