The Jambos Push 8 Points Clear at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops
History wasn't made at their home ground, with it being far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with strong chance of disrupting Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for the team over their rivals, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Try to chase them down.
Decisive Period in the Second Half
Three second-half minutes proved decisive, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the rest of the game was for the hosts. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before blasting a strike past the motionless the goalkeeper. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Murray bringing down the Hearts player for a foul that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
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 Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Tierney pass for level terms.
Stubborn Defence
The Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, who had made a brilliant stop from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which deflected off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. It's hard to ignore the buzz.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
