The Jambos Move Eight Points in Front at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
