The Jambos Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
