The Tynecastle side Move 8 Points Clear at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that Hearts are at least in with strong chance of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney pull-back for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.
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