Hearts Extend Eight Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Spot-Kick Overcomes The Hoops

A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that Hearts have a genuine strong chance of breaking Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for Hearts over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.

Decisive Period in the Latter Period

A brief but pivotal phase were key, following a tight first half that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before blasting a strike past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling Cláudio Braga for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland slotted home. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; his problems are mounting.

Fans start to rejoice after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against Celtic.

Celtic's Response

Celtic bounced back from Hearts’ rapid start. Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, the captain Callum McGregor, finishing a Tierney cutback for level terms.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the game concluded. “We stand firm” has become the popular anthem at the ground. One cannot overlook the noise.

• Detailed coverage to follow.