The Tynecastle side Push Eight Points Clear Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts have a genuine credible shot of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.
Key Moments in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger netted the second goal, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager looked dejected; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis to follow.
