The Jambos Extend Eight Points Clear at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A brief but pivotal phase were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that the captain slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Stubborn Defence
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.
- Full report will be available.
