Hearts Extend 8 Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine strong chance of ending Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
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