Hearts Push Eight Points Clear at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats Celtic

A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such landmarks. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of breaking Scottish football's 40-year title duopoly. Make that an eight-point lead for the team over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.

Decisive Period in the Second Half

A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. The striking aspect after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how comfortable the closing stages of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the motionless the Celtic keeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender bringing down Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Rodgers looked dejected; challenges abound for him.

The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against the opposition.

The Visitors' Fightback

The away side responded positively from Hearts’ rapid start. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, scoring a Kieran Tierney cutback for 1-1.

Solid Backline

The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the game concluded. “We shall not be moved” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.

• Full report coming soon.