The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
