The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Clear at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian possess a real strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. The Greek winger doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
The crowd erupted after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against Celtic.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
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