Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead Ahead at the Pinnacle After Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine credible shot of ending Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. That advantage stands at eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. The challenge is now for others.
Turning Point in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the rest of the game was for the home side. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the stationary the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray upending the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; challenges abound for him.
Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.
Hoops' Reaction
The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, turned the ball into his own net due to haste when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney pass for 1-1.
Solid Backline
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Nygren in the first half, parried an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett stopped a Shin Yamada attempt in stoppage time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Full report to follow.
