The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Ahead Clear at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real strong chance of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain converted. Rodgers looked dejected; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage coming soon.
