The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Full report to follow.
