Hearts Push Eight Points Ahead in Front at the Pinnacle Following Shankland's Penalty Sees Off The Hoops

A historic moment didn't occur at their home ground, since it's far too early for such milestones. What this match did emphasise is that the Edinburgh club have a genuine credible shot of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long stranglehold. They now lead by eight points for the team over the visitors, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.

Decisive Period in the Second Half

A brief but pivotal phase made the difference, once the initial exchanges that was contested closely. It was remarkable after Hearts surged 3-1 in front was how stress-free the rest of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis doubled the lead, drifting inside before thumping a right-footed shot past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. More joy followed in the stands, Dane Murray fouling the Hearts player for a spot-kick that Lawrence Shankland converted. Rodgers cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.

Fans start to rejoice after Alexandros Kyziridis (second right) puts Hearts 2-1 up against Celtic.

The Visitors' Fightback

Celtic had actually recovered well from the hosts' quick opening. The defender, who struggled throughout, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to deal with a delivery from Shankland. The Hoops worked their way into the game, skipper McGregor, scoring a Tierney pull-back for 1-1.

Solid Backline

The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had denied from Benjamin Nygren in the first half, parried an Arne Engels shot which touched Magnússon. Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in the dying moments. The hosts faced little else as the minutes passed. “We stand firm” has become the favoured chant at Tynecastle. It is becoming increasingly difficult the noise.

• Detailed coverage to follow.