Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead Ahead at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as 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 four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.
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