The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Ahead in Front at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to deal with a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Full report coming soon.
