The Jambos Extend Eight Points Ahead Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants
We did not witness at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such achievements. The encounter underlined is that Hearts possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the After the Break
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis doubled the lead, cutting in from the left before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Murray upending Braga for a penalty that Shankland slotted home. Brendan Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to clear a Shankland cross. They gradually fought back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney pull-back for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the excitement.
- Complete analysis coming soon.
