The Jambos Push 8 Points Ahead at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
