Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to deal with a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.
- Complete analysis to follow.
