Hearts Extend Eight Points Clear at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at their home ground, as it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they extended their advantage was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a penalty that the captain converted. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
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