The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
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 untroubled the remainder of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
