Hearts Extend Eight Points Ahead Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
A crucial three-minute spell were key, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that the captain tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up 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 ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.