Hearts Move Eight Points in Front at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that Shankland converted. Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
