The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell made the difference, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Braga for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the ground. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
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