The Tynecastle side Extend 8 Points Ahead in Front at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
