Hearts Extend 8 Points Clear at the Summit After Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain converted. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Full report to follow.
