Hearts Move 8 Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, with it being far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that the captain converted. The Celtic manager looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for the equaliser.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.
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