The Jambos Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at the Summit After Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic

History wasn't made at Tynecastle Park, since it's far too early for such achievements. What this match did emphasise is that Hearts are at least in with serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's long-standing stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for Hearts over their rivals, whom they decisively beat. Catch them if you can.

Decisive Period in the After the Break

Three second-half minutes made the difference, following a tight first half that was evenly matched. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the closing stages of the game was for the hosts. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, the Celtic defender fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.

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

Celtic's Response

The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to haste when trying to remove a ball into the box. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for 1-1.

Stubborn Defence

The keeper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett stopped a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We shall not be moved” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the ground. One cannot overlook the buzz.