The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle Following 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 Hearts are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a Shankland cross. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.
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