Hearts Move Eight Points Ahead Ahead at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
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