The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage will be available.