Hearts Push 8 Points Clear in Front at the Pinnacle After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Defeats The Glasgow Giants

History wasn't made at Tynecastle, as it's far too early for such milestones. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. That advantage stands at eight points for the maroon side over the visitors, whom they decisively beat. The challenge is now for others.

Turning Point in the Second Half

Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was contested closely. What was so notable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, moving infield before firing a powerful effort past the motionless the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray bringing down Braga for a spot-kick that Shankland tucked away. Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.

Hoops' Reaction

Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. The defender, who struggled throughout, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pull-back for level terms.

Stubborn Defence

The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which touched Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. Hearts were otherwise untroubled as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the popular anthem at the stadium. One cannot overlook the excitement.

• Full report to follow.