The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Clear Ahead at Top Following Shankland's Penalty Kick Defeats The Hoops
We did not witness at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Latter Period
Three second-half minutes were key, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the home side. The Greek winger doubled the lead, moving infield before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray upending the Hearts player for a spot-kick that the captain converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.
Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to deal with a ball into the box. The Hoops worked their way into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the excitement.
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