The Jambos Push 8 Points Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Key Moments in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. It was remarkable after they took a 3-1 lead was how comfortable the remainder of the game was for the hosts. The Greek winger scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the Celtic keeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a foul that Shankland tucked away. The Celtic manager appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
The Visitors' Fightback
Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which flicked off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis to follow.