Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead Clear at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that the captain tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
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