Hearts Move Eight Points Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland tucked away. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the buzz.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
