Hearts Push Eight Points Clear Ahead at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger netted the second goal, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
