Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
