The Jambos Extend 8 Points Clear in Front at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
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 untroubled the remainder of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.
