The Tynecastle side Push 8 Points Clear Ahead at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes The Glasgow Giants
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
A crucial three-minute spell were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the static the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a penalty that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the ground. It's hard to ignore the noise.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
