The Jambos Move Eight Points Ahead at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
