The Jambos Move 8 Points Clear Ahead at Top Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending Braga for a penalty that the captain converted. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
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