Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
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