Hearts Push 8 Points Ahead in Front at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
