The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Ahead at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a foul that Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Full report to follow.
