Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
