The Jambos Move 8 Points Clear Clear at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
