The Jambos Extend Eight Points Clear in Front at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that 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 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 deal with a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
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