The Jambos Extend Eight Points Ahead Ahead at the Summit After Lawrence Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic

We did not witness at their home ground, with it being far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club are at least in with credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long dominance by two. Make that an eight-point lead for the maroon side over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Catch them if you can.

Decisive Period in the After the Break

Three second-half minutes made the difference, after an opening period that was evenly matched. The striking aspect after they took a 3-1 lead was how stress-free the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, moving infield before thumping a right-footed shot past the stationary the goalkeeper. Delight increased in the stands, Murray bringing down Cláudio Braga for a penalty that the captain slotted home. Brendan Rodgers appeared frustrated; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

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

Celtic's Response

Celtic had actually recovered well from Hearts’ rapid start. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, scored an own goal due to confusion when trying to clear a Shankland cross. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader Callum McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney pass for the equaliser.

Stubborn Defence

The Hearts goalkeeper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, kept out an Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Halkett blocked a Shin Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We remain resolute” has become the Tynecastle verse of choice at the stadium. One cannot overlook the noise.

• Full report coming soon.