The Tynecastle side Move Eight Points Ahead Ahead at Top After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Sees Off Celtic

A historic moment didn't occur at Tynecastle Park, with it being far too early for such milestones. The encounter underlined is that Heart of Midlothian have a genuine serious opportunity of breaking Scottish football's 40-year stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they comfortably swatted aside. Catch them if you can.

Decisive Period in the After the Break

Three second-half minutes made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the home side. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the static the goalkeeper. More joy followed in the stands, Murray fouling Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Rodgers appeared frustrated; his problems are mounting.

Supporters began celebrating after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.

The Visitors' Fightback

The away side responded positively from the hosts' quick opening. Murray, who had a difficult day, conceded an own goal due to panic when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, skipper Callum McGregor, turning home a Tierney cutback for the equaliser.

Hearts' Defensive Resilience

The shot-stopper Alexander Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, blocked an Engels shot which deflected off Tómas Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. They comfortably saw out the game as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at Tynecastle. One cannot overlook the buzz.

• Complete analysis to follow.