Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
