The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Clear Clear at the Summit Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray fouling Cláudio Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
