The Jambos Push 8 Points Ahead Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis netted the second goal, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded 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, turning home a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
