The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Ahead Clear at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Latter Period
A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Braga for a foul that the captain tucked away. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who struggled throughout, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.