The Jambos Push Eight Points Clear at the Summit Following Lawrence Shankland's Spot-Kick Defeats Celtic

We did not witness at their home ground, since it's far too early for such landmarks. The encounter underlined is that the Edinburgh club possess a real credible shot of ending Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over their rivals, whom they easily dispatched. The challenge is now for others.

Turning Point in the After the Break

Three second-half minutes were key, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Alexandros Kyziridis netted the second goal, cutting in from the left before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Soon there was further euphoria in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a foul that Lawrence Shankland converted. Brendan Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; challenges abound for him.

Supporters began celebrating after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) gives Hearts the lead against the opposition.

Hoops' Reaction

Celtic had actually recovered well from an early setback. Dane Murray, who had a difficult day, scored an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. They gradually fought back into the game, the captain McGregor, turning home a Tierney pass for 1-1.

Stubborn Defence

The keeper Schwolow, who had denied from Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Yamada attempt in added time. They comfortably saw out the game as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the buzz.

• Full report coming soon.