The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Clear at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the static the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. 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 excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
