Hearts Extend 8 Points Ahead Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
