The Tynecastle side Extend Eight Points Ahead at the Pinnacle Following Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with serious opportunity of ending Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that the captain tucked away. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from an early setback. Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to haste when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for 1-1.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in stoppage time. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
