Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to clear a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
